Array of Packages with Indicative Windows

ABSTRACT

An array of packages includes a first package and a second package. The first package has a first outer structure, a first window perimeter shape, and a first product located in the first internal space. The first product defines a first product silhouette and the first window perimeter shape is indicative of the first product silhouette. The second package has a second outer structure, a second window perimeter shape, and a second product located in the second internal space. The second product defines a second product silhouette and the second window perimeter shape is indicative of the second product silhouette. The first and second products are diapers, training pants, adult incontinent articles, or feminine hygiene products and the first product silhouette is different than the second product silhouette.

PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12/637,865entitled Package with Indicative Windows and filed in the U.S. Patentand Trademark Office on Dec. 15, 2009. The entirety of the priorapplication is hereby incorporated by reference in this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many consumers today are overwhelmed at the retail shelf trying tolocate a particular product form from among many different productforms. This problem is complicated by a large variety of packages havingsimilar colors, designs, and/or graphics. As such, consumers are unableto quickly navigate the retail shelf to locate the desired product.Thus, there exists a need for packages that clearly and quicklycommunicate the product form located within the various packaging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses these needs by providing packages havingwindows that are indicative of the product form located within thepackage. In one aspect, the present invention provides a package havingan outer structure that defines an internal space and includes a windowhaving a window perimeter shape. The package also includes a productlocated in the internal space. The product defines a product silhouetteand the window perimeter shape is indicative of the product silhouette.

In various embodiments, the product may be a digital tampon, anapplicator tampon, or a feminine pad. In various embodiments, the outerstructure may be made of card stock.

In some embodiments, the window may be a physical opening wherein thecontents of the package, located in the internal space, can be touchedfrom an external space. In some embodiments, the window may be cutthrough the outer structure and may be at least partially covered by atransparent material.

In some embodiments, the products may be individually wrapped and atleast two individually wrapped products may be visible through thewindow.

In some embodiments, a first product may be individually wrapped in afirst wrapper having a first color and a second product may beindividually wrapped in a second wrapper having a second color differentthan the first color. The first wrapper and the second wrapper may bevisible through the window.

In some embodiments, the outer structure may be made of a flexible polyfilm and the flexible poly film may be printed to define the window.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an array of packages.The array includes a first package having a first outer structure thatdefines a first internal space and includes a first window having afirst window perimeter shape. The first package also includes a firstproduct located in the first internal space wherein the first productdefines a first product silhouette and wherein the first windowperimeter shape is indicative of the first product silhouette. The arrayalso includes a second package having a second outer structure thatdefines a second internal space and includes a second window having asecond window perimeter shape. The second package also includes a secondproduct located in the second internal space wherein the second productdefines a second product silhouette and wherein the second windowperimeter shape is indicative of the second product silhouette. In thearray, the first product silhouette is different than the second productsilhouette.

In various embodiments of this aspect, the first product may be afeminine pad without wings and the second product may be a feminine padwith wings.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the first product may be anapplicator tampon and the second product may be a feminine pad.

In some embodiments, the first outer structure may be made of paperboard and the second outer structure may be made of poly film.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the array includes a third packagehaving a third outer structure that defines a third internal space andincludes a third window having a third window perimeter shape. The thirdpackage also includes a third product located in the third internalspace wherein the third product defines a third product silhouette andwherein the third window perimeter shape is indicative of the thirdproduct silhouette. In the array, the first product silhouette, thesecond product silhouette, and the third product silhouette are alldifferent.

In some embodiments, the first product may be an applicator tampon, thesecond product may be a feminine pad without wings, and the thirdproduct may be a feminine pad with wings.

In some embodiments, the first package may have a design theme, apredominant color, and a brand name and the second package may have thesame design theme, the same predominant color, and the same brand name.

In some embodiments, the first package may include a product image andthe product image and the window perimeter shape may coordinate tocreate a composite image.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a package having anouter structure that defines an internal space and includes a simulatedwindow having a simulated window perimeter shape. The package alsoincludes a product located in the internal space wherein the product hasa product silhouette and wherein the simulated window perimeter shape isindicative of the product silhouette.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the product may be a digital tampon,an applicator tampon, or a feminine pad.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the outer structure may be made ofcard stock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 1A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B representatively illustrates an exemplary method for determininga product silhouette.

FIG. 2 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 2A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 3A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 4A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 5A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 6A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 7A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 8A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 9A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 10A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 11A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 12A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 14 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention.

FIG. 14A representatively illustrates a front perspective view of adisplay that includes multiple packages of FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 representatively illustrates exemplary arrays of packages of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 representatively illustrates a front perspective view of anexemplary package of the present invention having a simulated window.

FIG. 16A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplaryproduct located within the package of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention provides a package having windows that areindicative of the product located in the package. Referring now to FIG.1, an exemplary package 10 is illustrated. The package 10 includes anouter structure 12 that defines an internal space 14 and an externalspace 16. The package 10 also includes at least one window 18 having awindow perimeter shape 20.

The package 10 also includes at least one product 22 located in theinternal space 14. Referring now to FIG. 1A, a top perspective view ofthe product 22 of FIG. 1 is representatively illustrated. The product 22defines a product silhouette 24 and the window perimeter shape 20 isindicative of the product silhouette 24. Specifically, in thisembodiment, the product silhouette 24 is a “dog-bone” shape and thewindow perimeter shape 20 is a “dog-bone” shape. Thus, the windowperimeter shape 20 readily identifies the package 10 as containingproducts 22 having a dog-bone shape. This is believed to be beneficialfor a consumer trying to locate a particular product form amidst manyother product forms on a retail shelf or other setting.

The product 22 may include any suitable components within the productsilhouette 24. For example, the product 22 may include a liquid pervioustopsheet 26 and a liquid impervious backsheet 28. The product 22 mayalso include one or more absorbent layers located between the topsheet26 and the backsheet 28. For example, the product 22 may include a firstabsorbent layer 30 overlying a second absorbent layer 32. The entiretopsheet 26 defines a body side surface 34 that is generally positionednext to the body of the wearer in use. Likewise, the entire backsheet 28defines a garment side surface 36 that is generally positioned next tothe clothing of the wearer in use.

As used herein, the term “window” refers to a portion of a packagewherein the contents of the package, located in the internal space, areviewable through said portion from the external space. The term “window”includes physical openings wherein the contents of the package, locatedin the internal space, can be touched from the external space. The term“window” also includes physical openings that are partially orcompletely covered by one or more transparent materials such that thecontents of the package, located in the internal space, are viewablethrough the transparent materials from the external space. The term“window” also includes a portion of a transparent printed package thatis unobscured by the printing and thus remains transparent such that thecontents of the package, located in the internal space, are viewablethrough said unobscured and transparent portion from the external space.The windows depicted herein are illustrated as being located completelyon one side of the package. However, it will be readily appreciated thatin various embodiments, the windows may span across more than one sideof the package. In some embodiments, a portion of a window may belocated on a front face of the package and a portion of the window mayextend around an edge of the package to one or more adjacent sides.

As used herein, the term “window perimeter” refers to the outer boundaryof the total area defined by the window.

As used herein, the term “product silhouette” refers to the outline 50of the shadow 52 cast on a surface 54 from a product 56 and a lightsource 58 wherein the product 56 is removed from a package, removed froma wrapper (if applicable) unfolded (if applicable), fully extended,wings extended (if applicable), and suspended above the surface 54 andwherein the light source 58 is positioned at a 90 degree angle to amajor surface 60 of the product 56 which in turn is positioned at a 90degree angle to the surface 54 as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The lightsource 58 is positioned a sufficient distance 62 from the major surface60 to cast the shadow 52 on the surface 54. As used herein, the term“major surface” refers to either the body side surface or the garmentside surface of a pad, liner, diaper, or the like. The term “majorsurface” refers to a plane parallel to the longitudinal centerline of anapplicator tampon or a digital tampon. The term “major surface” refersto the front portion of a pull-on garment such as a training pant orbrief.

As used herein, the term “indicative” refers to a first complex shapethat is representative, suggestive, illustrative, substantially similarto, substantially the same, the same as, or the same as a second complexshape. In most cases, if a first complex shape is indicative of a secondcomplex shape, the first shape and the second shape will have a similarnumber of sides, arcs, and straight edges. Also, in most cases, thefirst shape and the second shape will have similar angles andproportions. The term “indicative” does not necessarily mean that thefirst shape is the same size as the second shape. The term “indicative”does not refer to simple shapes such as circles, ovals, rectangles,squares, or the like.

The outer structures 12, described herein, may be made of any suitablematerials. For example, the outer structures 12 may be made of cardboard, card stock, paper, paper board, plastic, polymer film, wovenmaterial, non-woven material, metal, or the like, and combinationsthereof. The windows 18 may be formed in the outer structure 12 by anysuitable means. For example, the windows 18 may be die cut, laser cut,stamp cut, water cut, or the like, or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the outer structures 12 may be made of paper board and thewindows 18 may be formed in the outer structure 12 by die cutting.

The outer structure 12 may define any suitable shape or size. The outerstructure 12 may include any suitable number of sides. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 1, the outer structure 12 may be a six-sidedstructure wherein the sides are generally joined together to form ahexahedron. In some embodiments, the outer structure 12 may also includehandles, gussets, opening features, flaps, folds, lids, lines ofweakness, and the like, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the windows 18 may be created from essentiallytransparent material used as the outer structure 12. In theseembodiments, a first portion of the transparent material may be madenon-transparent by printing, painting, dying, or other suitable meansand a second portion of the transparent material may be left un-altered(i.e., essentially transparent). The un-altered portion may besufficiently surrounded by the non-transparent portion to define awindow 18 in the outer structure 12. For example, the outer structure 12may be made of an essentially transparent polyethylene or polypropylenefilm and the outer structure 12 may be printed with any suitable ink viaflexographic, gravure, inkjet, or other suitable means, or combinationsthereof to define windows 18 that remain transparent.

The products 22 located within the packages 10 may be any suitable typeof product. For example, the products 22 may be diapers, training pants,adult incontinent articles, feminine hygiene products, and the like. Insome embodiments, the products 22 may be feminine hygiene products suchas digital tampons, applicator tampons, panty liners, pads, pessaries,and the like. Exemplary products are disclosed in detail in U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,427,277 and 4,921,474 and U.S. Patent Applications 2005/0059942;2009/0054864; and 2009/0204090 which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties to the extent consistent herewith.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 2A, another exemplary package 10 having awindow perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette24 of the product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 ofFIG. 2 includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14and an external space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18.The window 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 2 is illustrated in a top plan view in FIG. 2A.As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the product 22 includes a topsheet 26 and aback sheet 28 in facing relation. The product 22 also includes a firstabsorbent layer 30 and a second absorbent layer 32 located between thetopsheet 26 and the back sheet 28. The product 22 also includes wings 38extending from longitudinal side edges 40. When the product 22 is fullyextended and the wings 38 are fully extended, the product 22 defines aproduct silhouette 24. In this embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20of the package 10 is substantially the same as the product silhouette24. Thus, the window perimeter shape 20 of the window 18 is indicativeof the product 22 located within the package 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 3A, another exemplary package 10 having awindow perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette24 of the product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 ofFIG. 3 includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14and an external space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18.The window 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 3 is illustrated in a partially cut-away top planview in FIG. 3A. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the product 22 includes atopsheet 26 and a back sheet 28 in facing relation. The product 22 alsoincludes a first absorbent layer 30 and a second absorbent layer 32located between the topsheet 26 and the back sheet 28. The product 22also includes side-panels or wings 38 that are unitarily formed with thetopsheet 26 and the back sheet 28. When the product 22 is unfolded andfully extended and the wings 38 are fully extended, the product 22defines a product silhouette 24. In this embodiment, the windowperimeter shape 20 of the package 10 is substantially the same as theproduct silhouette 24. Thus, the window perimeter shape 20 of the window18 of the package 10 of FIG. 3 is indicative of the product silhouetteof the product 22 located within the package 10 and illustrated in FIG.3A.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 4A, another exemplary package 10 having awindow perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette24 of the product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 ofFIG. 4 includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14and an external space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18.The window 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 4 is illustrated in a partially cut-away top planview in FIG. 4A. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the product 22 includes atopsheet 26 and a back sheet 28 in facing relation. The product 22 alsoincludes a first absorbent layer 30 and a second absorbent layer 32located between the topsheet 26 and the back sheet 28. The product 22also includes side-panels or wings 38 that extend from longitudinal sideedges 40. When the product 22 is unfolded and fully extended and thewings 38 are fully extended, the product 22 defines a product silhouette24. In this embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20 of the package 10is substantially the same as the product silhouette 24. Thus, the windowperimeter shape 20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of FIG. 4 isindicative of the product silhouette of the product 22 located withinthe package 10 and illustrated in FIG. 4A.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 5A, another exemplary package 10 having awindow perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette24 of the product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 ofFIG. 5 includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14and an external space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18.The window 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 5 is illustrated in a partially cut-away top planview in FIG. 5A. As can be seen in FIG. 5A, the product 22 includes atopsheet 26 and a back sheet 28 in facing relation. The product 22 alsoincludes a first absorbent layer 30 and a second absorbent layer 32located between the topsheet 26 and the back sheet 28. When the product22 is unfolded and fully extended, the product 22 defines a productsilhouette 24. In this embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20 of thepackage 10 is substantially the same as the product silhouette 24. Thus,the window perimeter shape 20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of FIG.5 is indicative of the product silhouette of the product 22 locatedwithin the package 10 and illustrated in FIG. 5A.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 6A, another exemplary package 10 having awindow perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette24 of the product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 ofFIG. 6 includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14and an external space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18.The window 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 6 is illustrated in a partially cut-away top planview in FIG. 6A. As can be seen in FIG. 6A, the product 22 includes atopsheet 26 and a back sheet 28 in facing relation. The product 22 alsoincludes a first absorbent layer 30 and a second absorbent layer 32located between the topsheet 26 and the back sheet 28. The product 22also includes side-panels or wings 38 that extend from longitudinal sideedges 40. When the product 22 is unfolded and fully extended and thewings 38 are fully extended, the product 22 defines a product silhouette24. In this embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20 of the package 10is substantially the same as the product silhouette 24. Thus, the windowperimeter shape 20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of FIG. 6 isindicative of the product silhouette of the product 22 located withinthe package 10 and illustrated in FIG. 6A.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 7A, another exemplary package 10 having awindow perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette24 of the product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 ofFIG. 7 includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14and an external space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18.The window 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 7 is illustrated in a top plan view in FIG. 7A.As can be seen in FIG. 7A, the product 22 includes a shell 42 and anabsorbent structure 44. The shell 42 defines a body-facing surface 46and a garment-facing surface 48. The product 22 may include bodyadhesive 49 on at least a portion of the body-facing surface 46 forattachment to the body of the wearer. When the product 22 is unfoldedand fully extended, the product 22 defines a product silhouette 24. Inthis embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20 of the package 10 issubstantially the same as the product silhouette 24. Thus, the windowperimeter shape 20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of FIG. 7 isindicative of the product silhouette of the product 22 located withinthe package 10 and illustrated in FIG. 7A.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 8A, another exemplary package 10 having awindow perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette24 of the product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 ofFIG. 8 includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14and an external space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18.The window 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 8 is illustrated in a top plan view in FIG. 8A.As can be seen in FIG. 8A, the product 22 includes an absorbentstructure 44 and a shell 42. The absorbent structure 44 is configuredfor disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region. The shell 42is configured for supporting the absorbent structure 44 at the vaginalregion. The shell has a body-facing surface 46 and a garment-facingsurface 48. The body-facing surface 46 has an adhesive 49 thereon foradhering the shell 42 directly to the wearer. When the product 22 isunfolded and fully extended, the product 22 defines a product silhouette24. In this embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20 of the package 10is substantially the same as the product silhouette 24. Thus, the windowperimeter shape 20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of FIG. 8 isindicative of the product silhouette of the product 22 located withinthe package 10 and illustrated in FIG. 8A.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 9A, another exemplary package 10 having awindow perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette24 of the product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 ofFIG. 9 includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14and an external space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18.The window 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 9 is illustrated in a top plan view in FIG. 9A.As can be seen in FIG. 9A, the product 22 includes an absorbentstructure 44 and a shell 42. The absorbent structure 44 is configuredfor disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region. The shell 42is configured for supporting the absorbent structure 44 at the vaginalregion. The shell has a body-facing surface 46 and a garment-facingsurface 48. The body-facing surface 46 has an adhesive 49 thereon foradhering the shell 42 directly to the wearer. When the product 22 isunfolded and fully extended, the product 22 defines a product silhouette24. In this embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20 of the package 10is substantially the same as the product silhouette 24. Thus, the windowperimeter shape 20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of FIG. 9 isindicative of the product silhouette of the product 22 located withinthe package 10 and illustrated in FIG. 9A.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 10A, another exemplary package 10 having awindow perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette24 of the product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 ofFIG. 10 includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14and an external space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18.The window 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 10 is illustrated in a partially cut-awaysectional view in FIG. 10A. As can be seen in FIG. 10A, the product 22is generally an applicator tampon 64. The applicator tampon 64 has alongitudinal centerline 66. The applicator tampon 64 of FIG. 10A isillustrated in a partially cut-away section view taken along thelongitudinal centerline 66 to illustrate internal components. Theapplicator tampon 64 generally includes a barrel 68, a telescopingsection 70, a plunger 72, and a pledget 74. The barrel 68 generallyincludes the pledget 74 located therein. The barrel 68 also includes oneor more petals 78 to facilitate expulsion of the pledget 74. Prior touse, the plunger 72 may be positioned within the telescoping section 70to provide a “compact” design. The plunger 72 may then be extended andrigidly engaged with the telescoping section 70 such that force appliedto the plunger 72 is translated to the telescoping section 70 to expelthe pledget 74 from the barrel 68. The pledget 74 may also include astring 76 to facilitate removal of the pledget 74 after use. When theproduct 22 is fully extended, the product 22 defines a productsilhouette 24. In this embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20 of thepackage 10 is representative of the product silhouette 24. Thus, thewindow perimeter shape 20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of FIG. 10is indicative of the product silhouette of the product 22 located withinthe package 10 and illustrated in FIG. 10A.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 11A, another exemplary package 10 having awindow perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette24 of the product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 ofFIG. 11 includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14and an external space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18.The window 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 11 is illustrated in a side view in FIG. 11A. Ascan be seen in FIG. 11A, the product 22 is a digital tampon 80. Thedigital tampon 80 has a longitudinal centerline 66. The digital tampon80 of FIG. 11A generally includes a pledget 74 and a string 76 tofacilitate removal of the pledget 74 after use. The product 22 defines aproduct silhouette 24. In this embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20of the package 10 is suggestive of the product silhouette 24. Thus, thewindow perimeter shape 20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of FIG. 11is indicative of the product silhouette of the product 22 located withinthe package 10 and illustrated in FIG. 11A.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 12A, another exemplary package 10 having awindow perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette184 of the product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 ofFIG. 12 includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14and an external space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18.The window 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 12 is illustrated in a perspective view in FIG.12A. As can be seen in FIG. 12A, the product 22 is generally a brief 160having a waist opening 162 and a pair of leg openings 164. The brief 160includes a front portion 166 and a back portion 168. The front portion166 and the back portion 168 are joined together at the sides 170 and atthe crotch 172. The brief 160 may include an absorbent 176 and/or awaist band 174 in various embodiments. In various embodiments, the brief160 may include a top sheet 178 and a back sheet 180 in facing relation.In various embodiments, the absorbent layer 176 may be located betweenthe topsheet 178 and the back sheet 180. When the front portion 166 ofthe brief 160 is separated from the back portion 168 along the planedefined by element 182, the fully extended front portion 166 defines aproduct silhouette 184. In this embodiment, the window perimeter shape20 of the package 10 is suggestive of the product silhouette 184. Thus,the window perimeter shape 20 of the window 18 is indicative of theproduct 22 located within the package 10.

Referring now to FIG. 13, another exemplary package 10 having a windowperimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette 24 ofthe product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 13includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14 and anexternal space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18. Thewindow 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 13 is illustrated in a top plan view in FIG. 2A.As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the product 22 includes a topsheet 26 and aback sheet 28 in facing relation. The product 22 also includes a firstabsorbent layer 30 and a second absorbent layer 32 located between thetopsheet 26 and the back sheet 28. The product 22 also includes wings 38extending from longitudinal side edges 40. When the product 22 is fullyextended and the wings 38 are fully extended, the product 22 defines aproduct silhouette 24.

In this embodiment, majority of the window perimeter shape 20 of thepackage 10 is substantially the same as a majority of the productsilhouette 24. Thus, the window perimeter shape 20 of the window 18 isindicative of the product 22 located within the package 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 14A, another exemplary package 10 having awindow perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the product silhouette24 of the product 22 located therein is illustrated. The package 10 ofFIG. 14 includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14and an external space 16. The outer structure 12 includes a window 18.The window 18 defines a window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 alsoincludes products 22 located within the internal space 14. The products22 are visible from the external space 16 via the window 18.

The product 22 of FIG. 14 is illustrated in a top plan view in FIG. 2A.As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the product 22 defines a longitudinalcenterline 66 which in turn defines a first half 188 and a second half190. The package 10 of FIG. 14 also includes a product image 186. Asused herein, the term “product image” refers to a depiction of at leasta portion of a product. For example, in FIG. 14, the product image 186is a depiction of the second half 190 of the product 22 located withinthe package 10. The product image 186 may be created using any suitablemeans. For example, the product image 186 may be printed on the outerstructure 12 of the package 10 using ink jet printing, flexographicprinting, gravure roll printing, and the like, and combinations thereof.In some embodiments, the product image 186 may be provided on a separatematerial and joined to the outer structure 12 via any suitable means.For example, the product image 186 may be printed on a substrate that isin turn adhered to the outer structure 12 like a sticker.

In various embodiments, a product image 186 and a window perimeter shape20 may combine to create a composite image. As used herein, the term“composite image” refers to a construction that includes a product imagecoordinated with a window perimeter shape to create a unitary image. Forexample, referring to FIG. 14A, multiple packages 10 of FIG. 14 areillustrated in a display condition such as may be arranged on a retailshelf. The multiple packages 10 each include a product image 186 and awindow 18 having a window perimeter shape 20. The multiple packages 10each include products 22 having a product silhouette 24 as illustratedin FIG. 2A. The window perimeter shape 20 of a first package 92 incombination with a product image 186 of a second package 94 creates acomposite image 191. Likewise, the window perimeter shape 20 of thesecond package 94 in combination with the product image 186 of a thirdpackage 96 creates a composite image 191. Finally, the window perimetershape 20 of the third package 96 in combination with the product image186 of a fourth package 98 creates a composite image 191. The compositeimages 191 are indicative of the products 22 located within the variouspackages 92, 94, 96, and 98.

In various embodiments, the products 22 may be individually wrapped inany suitable wrapping material such as polymer films, woven materials,non-woven materials, or the like, or combinations thereof. In variousembodiments, the products 22 may be individually wrapped in wrappers 82wherein at least two individually wrapped products 22 are visiblethrough the window 18. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, sixproducts 22 are individually wrapped in six wrappers 82 and are visiblethrough the window 18.

In various embodiments, the individually wrapped products 22 may bewrapped in wrappers 82 having more than one color per wrapper 82. Insome embodiments, some individually wrapped products 22 may be wrappedin a wrapper 82 having a first color and some individually wrappedproducts 22 may be wrapped in a wrapper 82 having a second colordifferent than the first color and being located within the same package10. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, six products 22 areindividually wrapped in six wrappers 82. At least one of the wrappers 82has a first color 84, at least one of the wrappers 82 has a second color86, at least one of the wrappers 82 has a third color 88, and at leastone of the wrappers 82 has a fourth color 90 wherein all the colors 84,86, 88, and 90 are different.

In some aspects, the present invention also provides an array ofpackages having windows that are indicative of the products locatedwithin the respective packages. Referring now to FIG. 15, an exemplaryarray of packages 102 is illustrated. The array of packages 102 includesa first package 104 and a second package 106. In some embodiments, thevarious packages described herein may be suitable for use as the firstpackage 104 and/or the second package 106. The first package 104 has afirst outer structure 108 that defines a first internal space 110 and afirst external space 112. The first package 104 also includes a firstwindow 114 having a first window perimeter shape 116. The first package104 also includes a first product 118 located in the first internalspace 110. For illustration, an exemplary first product 118 from thefirst package 104 is shown in a fully extended top view next to thefirst package 104. The first product 118 defines a first productsilhouette 120 and the first window perimeter shape 116 is indicative ofthe first product silhouette 120.

The second package 106 in the array of packages 102 has a second outerstructure 122 that defines a second internal space 124 and a secondexternal space 126. The second package 106 includes a second window 128having a second window perimeter shape 130 in the second outer structure122. The second package 106 also includes a second product 132 locatedin the second internal space 124. For illustration, an exemplary secondproduct 132 from the second package 106 is shown in a fully extended topview next to the second package 106. The second product 132 defines asecond product silhouette 134 and the second window perimeter shape 130is indicative of the second product silhouette 134. In the array ofpackages 102, the first product silhouette 120 is different than thesecond product silhouette 134 and thus the first window perimeter shape116 is different than the second window perimeter shape 130.

Referring again to FIG. 15, a second exemplary array of packages 136 isillustrated. The array of packages 136 includes a first package 104, asecond package 106, and a third package 138. In some embodiments, thevarious packages described herein may be suitable for use as the firstpackage 104 and/or the second package 106 and/or the third package 138.The first package 104 has a first outer structure 108 that defines afirst internal space 110 and a first external space 112. The firstpackage 104 also includes a first window 114 having a first windowperimeter shape 116. The first package 104 also includes a first product118 located in the first internal space 110. For illustration, anexemplary first product 118 from the first package 104 is shown in afully extended top view next to the first package 104. The first product118 defines a first product silhouette 120 and the first windowperimeter shape 116 is indicative of the first product silhouette 120.

The second package 106 in the array of packages 102 has a second outerstructure 122 that defines a second internal space 124 and a secondexternal space 126. The second package 106 includes a second window 128having a second window perimeter shape 130 in the second outer structure122. The second package 106 also includes a second product 132 locatedin the second internal space 124. For illustration, an exemplary secondproduct 132 from the second package 106 is shown in a fully extended topview next to the second package 106. The second product 132 defines asecond product silhouette 134 and the second window perimeter shape 130is indicative of the second product silhouette 134. In the array ofpackages 102, the first product silhouette 120 is different than thesecond product silhouette 134 and thus the first window perimeter shape116 is different than the second window perimeter shape 130.

The third package 138 in the array of packages 136 has a third outerstructure 140 that defines a third internal space 142 and a thirdexternal space 144. The third package 138 includes a third window 146having a third window perimeter shape 148 in the third outer structure140. The third package 138 also includes a third product 150 located inthe third internal space 142. For illustration, an exemplary thirdproduct 150 from the third package 138 is shown in a fully extended topview next to the third package 138. The third product 150 defines athird product silhouette 152 and the third window perimeter shape 148 isindicative of the third product silhouette 152. In the second array ofpackages 136, the first product silhouette 120, the second productsilhouette 134, and the third product silhouette 152 are all differentand thus the first window perimeter shape 116, the second windowperimeter shape 130, and the third window perimeter shape 148 are alldifferent.

In various embodiments, herein packages may also include any suitablecolors, themes, brand names, or the like. In some embodiments, thevarious packages in the various arrays may include common design themes,colors, graphics, brand names, and the like, and combinations thereof.For example, the various packages in the various arrays may all have thesame predominate color and may all have the same brand name. Thus, eventhough the packages will have similarity and unity on the retailshelves, a consumer will readily be able to navigate said shelf to findthe desired product form via the indicative windows.

In some embodiments, the present invention may provide a package havingsimulated windows that are indicative of the product located in thepackage. Referring now to FIG. 16, an exemplary package 10 isillustrated. The package 10 includes an outer structure 12 that definesan internal space 14 and an external space 16. The package 10 alsoincludes at least one simulated window 154 having a simulated windowperimeter shape 156.

The package 10 also includes at least one product 22 located in theinternal space 14. Referring now to FIG. 16A, a top perspective view ofthe product 22 of FIG. 16 is representatively illustrated. The product22 defines a product silhouette 24 and the simulated window perimetershape 156 is indicative of the product silhouette 24. Specifically, inthis embodiment, the product silhouette 24 is a “dog-bone” shape and thesimulated window perimeter shape 156 is a “dog-bone” shape. Thus, thesimulated window perimeter shape 156 readily identifies the package 10as containing products 22 having a dog-bone shape.

As used herein, the term “simulated window” refers to a graphicpositioned on a portion of a package that creates the illusion ofviewing the contents of the package, located in the internal space,through a window. As used herein, the term “simulated window perimeter”refers to the outer boundary of the total area defined by the simulatedwindow. The term “simulated window” does not refer to a depiction of theproduct contained within the package. For example, in FIG. 16, thesimulated window 154 includes simulated products 158 to create theillusion that the actual products 22 are being viewed through an actualwindow. A simulated window 154 may be created by printing directly onthe outer structure 12 of the package 10 or the simulated window 154 maybe created by printing on a secondary substrate and attaching saidsubstrate to the outer structure 12 of the package 10. For example, asimulated window 154 may be printed on an adhesive sticker and adheredto the outer structure 12.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilledin the art, upon attaining understanding of the foregoing will readilyappreciate alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to theseembodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should beassessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.Additionally, all combinations and/or sub-combinations of the disclosedembodiments, ranges, examples, and alternatives are also contemplated.

1. An array of packages comprising, a first package having a first outerstructure that defines a first internal space and includes a firstwindow having a first window perimeter shape and a first product locatedin the first internal space wherein the first product defines a firstproduct silhouette and wherein the first window perimeter shape isindicative of the first product silhouette and wherein the first productis a diaper, training pant, adult incontinent article, or femininehygiene product, and a second package having a second outer structurethat defines a second internal space and includes a second window havinga second window perimeter shape and a second product located in thesecond internal space wherein the second product defines a secondproduct silhouette and wherein the second window perimeter shape isindicative of the second product silhouette and wherein the secondproduct is a diaper, training pant, adult incontinent article, orfeminine hygiene product, and wherein the first product silhouette isdifferent than the second product silhouette.
 2. The array of claim 1wherein the first product is a feminine pad without wings and the secondproduct is a feminine pad with wings.
 3. The array of claim 1 whereinthe first product is an applicator tampon and the second product is afeminine pad.
 4. The array of claim 1 wherein the first outer structurecomprises paper board and the second outer structure comprises polyfilm.
 5. The array of claim 1 further comprising a third package havinga third outer structure that defines a third internal space and includesa third window having a third window perimeter shape and a third productlocated in the third internal space wherein the third product defines athird product silhouette and wherein the third window perimeter shape isindicative of the third product silhouette and wherein the first productsilhouette, the second product silhouette, and the third productsilhouette are all different.
 6. The array of claim 5 wherein the firstproduct is an applicator tampon, the second product is a feminine padwithout wings, and the third product is a feminine pad with wings. 7.The array of claim 1 wherein the first package has a design theme, apredominant color, and a brand name and wherein the second package hasthe same design theme, the same predominant color, and the same brandname.
 8. An array of packages comprising, a first package having a firstouter structure that defines a first internal space and includes a firstwindow having a first window perimeter shape, wherein the first windowis a physical opening that is covered by a transparent material, and afirst product located in the first internal space wherein the firstproduct defines a first product silhouette and wherein the first windowperimeter shape is indicative of the first product silhouette andwherein the first product is a feminine hygiene product individuallywrapped in a wrapper, and a second package having a second outerstructure that defines a second internal space and includes a secondwindow having a second window perimeter shape, wherein the second windowis a physical opening that is covered by a transparent material, and asecond product located in the second internal space wherein the secondproduct defines a second product silhouette and wherein the secondwindow perimeter shape is indicative of the second product silhouetteand wherein the second product is a feminine hygiene productindividually wrapped in a wrapper, and wherein the first productsilhouette is different than the second product silhouette.
 9. The arrayof claim 8 wherein the first outer structure and the second outerstructure comprise paper board.
 10. The array of claim 8 wherein thefirst package has a design theme, a predominant color, and a brand nameand wherein the second package has the same design theme, the samepredominant color, and the same brand name.
 11. The array of claim 8wherein the first product is a feminine pad without wings and the secondproduct is a feminine pad with wings.
 12. The array of claim 8 whereinthe first product is an applicator tampon and the second product is afeminine pad.
 13. The array of claim 8 further comprising a thirdpackage having a third outer structure that defines a third internalspace and includes a third window having a third window perimeter shape,wherein the third window is a physical opening that is covered by atransparent material, and a third product located in the third internalspace wherein the third product defines a third product silhouette andwherein the third window perimeter shape is indicative of the thirdproduct silhouette and wherein the third product is a feminine hygieneproduct individually wrapped in a wrapper and wherein the first productsilhouette, the second product silhouette, and the third productsilhouette are all different.
 14. An array of packages comprising, afirst package having a first outer structure that defines a firstinternal space and includes a first window having a first windowperimeter shape, wherein the first window is a physical opening that iscovered by a transparent material, and at least two first productslocated in the first internal space wherein the first products define afirst product silhouette and wherein the first window perimeter shape isindicative of the first product silhouette and wherein the firstproducts are feminine hygiene products individually wrapped in wrappersand the at least two individually wrapped first products are visiblethrough the first window and wherein the first package has a designtheme, a predominant color, and a brand name, and a second packagehaving a second outer structure that defines a second internal space andincludes a second window having a second window perimeter shape, whereinthe second window is a physical opening that is covered by a transparentmaterial, and at least two second products located in the secondinternal space wherein the second products define a second productsilhouette and wherein the second window perimeter shape is indicativeof the second product silhouette and wherein the second products arefeminine hygiene products individually wrapped in wrappers and the atleast two individually wrapped second products are visible through thesecond window and wherein the second package has a design theme, apredominant color, and a brand name that are the same as the firstpackage, and wherein the first product silhouette is different than thesecond product silhouette.
 15. The array of claim 14 further comprisinga third package having a third outer structure that defines a thirdinternal space and includes a third window having a third windowperimeter shape, wherein the third window is a physical opening that iscovered by a transparent material, and at least two third productslocated in the third internal space wherein the third products define athird product silhouette and wherein the third window perimeter shape isindicative of the third product silhouette and wherein the thirdproducts are feminine hygiene products individually wrapped in wrappersand the at least two individually wrapped third products are visiblethrough the third window and wherein the third package has a designtheme, a predominant color, and a brand name that are the same as thefirst package and wherein the first product silhouette, the secondproduct silhouette, and the third product silhouette are all different.